Mount Prospect announces winners of 2020 Shining Star Awards
A small-business owner who seems to be giving back everywhere, a group of friends who share their love of music with the community and the town's hardworking public works staff are among the winners of the Mount Prospect 2020 Shining Star Awards, the village's Special Events Commission announced Wednesday.
The awards will be presented at the 27th annual Shining Stars Gala, set for Saturday, Feb. 1, at The Cotillion Banquets, 360 S. Creekside Drive in Palatine.
The Shining Stars Awards recognize individuals and organizations that help make Mount Prospect a great place to live and work. Winners are selected by the special events commission from nominations submitted by members of the community. The categories are designed especially to seek out individuals who do things that often go unnoticed.
This year's winners, along with comments from the commission, include:
Home Town Award: 56 Music Fix - Chris Bozonelos, Dave Olson, Kelley McCarron. These friends organized a great music and art event solely for the love of music, friends and the great neighbors of Mount Prospect.
Community Partner Award: Cindy Adams of Nothing Bundt Cakes. Cindy is everywhere in the community, she and her business are always giving back. She is an example of what it takes to be true partner.
Unsung Hero Award: Mount Prospect Public Works Department. Every member of the public works department goes out of their way to be agreeable, accommodating and to provide excellent customer service. The department's leadership is amazing, but the crew deserves our praise and admiration for consistently going above and beyond the call of duty.
Beautify Mount Prospect Award: Carol Ohrn. Carol was instrumental in coordinating the designation of a section of Route 14 in Mount Prospect as a Blue Star Memorial Highway, honoring local veterans.
Star Spangled Banner Award: Les Durov. As a result of Mr. Durov's tireless efforts, Mount Prospect VFW Post 1337 recently received All State Post honors and All American Post title. Mr. Durov serves as commander of the VFW post.
Best Neighbor Award: Tom Hellstern. Tom goes out of his way to help neighbors, is always friendly and is a genuinely good person.
Champion for Youth Award: Sandy Levy. Sandy is a school social worker for River Trails School District 26 for 33 years, has developed meaningful relationships with students, families and staff. From keeping the school clean to fundraising for the Ronald McDonald House, Sandy helps kids understand the importance of kindness and altruism.
Open Arms Award: Bridget Anderson. Bridget gives every fiber of her being to the students in her classroom. She has worked for the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization for many years. She works with special students with a wide array of needs requiring constant care, attention and dedication. Though her work often goes unnoticed, she impacts her students' lives deeply and brings to the classroom the most innovative practices of special education.
Tickets for the Feb. 1 gala are on sale at www.mountprospect.org. Tickets are $65 per person before Jan. 19, $75 per person after. The ticket deadline is Jan. 30. The evening includes dinner, open bar and dancing until midnight to Orchestra 33 Band.